State Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, D-Shorewood
“There are many priority investments in the budget proposal such as continued funding for education, health and human services and local governments. This budget is a starting point, and as negotiations continue, I look forward to finding ways we can responsibly invest in Illinois families.
“Over the last few years, we have seen strides in our education system and it’s great to see the continued investments in our state’s young minds. The $350 million increase for Evidence Based Funding in K-12 schools ensures our students have access to quality education and sets them up for future success. Both teachers and students make up a large portion of our communities, and it’s essential we see ongoing improvements and investments that benefit them.
“As we go through the remainder of the budget process, it’s essential we take a responsible approach to spending. I’m hopeful we can come together and pass a budget that supports working families, strengthens communities and keeps Illinois moving forward.”
State Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Frankfort
“Our state’s budget must be grounded in reality and prepared for the challenges ahead. With shifting priorities at the federal level, Illinois is likely to face reduced or delayed federal funding, making it essential that we act decisively.”
“We must assess and safeguard critical programs, ensuring they remain functional even under adverse conditions. Failure to address this now will result in financial strain and disruptions that could impact our most vulnerable communities. Responsible planning today will help us protect essential services, stabilize our economy, and create a resilient future for Illinois.”
State Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Essex
“When looking at the governor’s proposed budget, we need to focus on what really matters: the middle class and prioritizing not raising taxes. Our communities have sent us a clear message: we need to limit government spending and ease the burden on hard working families.”
“I understand this is only the beginning of budget negotiations and I plan to do right by the people of Illinois by working with the governor and my fellow lawmakers to get our priorities back on track.”
State Sen. Rachel Ventura, D-Joliet
“At a time of national uncertainty, Illinois must be a pillar of stability—protecting vital services and ensuring working families can build real wealth, not just scrape by. Our residents deserve to thrive, not merely survive.
“I am committed to securing funding for families and advancing a budget that truly supports the working class—those already burdened by skyrocketing costs. This includes strengthening the child tax credit we fought for last year, which families can now claim on their taxes. Additionally, the tax delinquency payment program is projected to generate $198 million this year, offering some much-needed relief.
“But we must be clear-eyed about the challenges ahead. Potential cuts to federal funding threaten Medicaid, education, and essential social services. Illinois cannot afford instability—we must act now to safeguard these programs.
“Now is the time to insulate Illinois residents from devastating federal funding cuts. The message from Washington is clear—there is no time to wait.
“A balanced budget cannot come at the expense of the middle class. Instead, we need real tax reform—one that shifts the burden away from working families and ensures the ultra-rich finally pay their fair share.
“In the coming months, I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues to craft a budget that prioritizes everyday Illinoisans, not just the wealthy few.”
State Rep. Nicole La Ha, R-Lemont
“Illinois is at a financial crossroads, and the decisions made in the coming months will have lasting consequences for families and businesses across the state. The Governor’s budget proposal is the largest in state history, and while it attempts to address the deficit, it’s a setup for future tax increases. The projected budget deficit requires careful planning, transparency, and a commitment to responsible spending.
It’s a baseline for a plan they hope will work, but the overly optimistic revenue assumptions and proposed $2 billion in additional spending create significant uncertainty. The Governor’s proposal also fails to address the longstanding issues with the PUNS program under DHS, a program that has been failing for over a decade.
House Republicans are committed to working toward a balanced budget that strengthens our economy and ensures the responsible use of taxpayer dollars. That means evaluating spending priorities, improving efficiencies within state agencies, and making decisions that will lead to long-term stability. Illinois families deserve a government that is thoughtful and accountable in its approach to budgeting, one that seeks real solutions without defaulting to higher taxes or short-term fixes.”
State Rep. Larry Walsh Jr., D-Elwood
“Today, Governor Pritzker offered a realistic look at the problems that Illinois faces and made it clear that tightening our belt doesn’t require us to lose sight of our duty to the people we serve. However, it does mean we need to make hard choices. In the face of uncertainty and budget shortfalls, we must offer practical solutions to the problems that our constituents face. I look forward to engaging with the Governor, the members of the General Assembly, and our partners at the county and township level as we move forward together.”
Rep. Patrick Sheehan, R-Homer Glen
“The Governor’s proposed FY26 budget is the largest in state history, yet it fails to address the $425 million deficit our state faces. The Governor’s revenue assumptions are overly optimistic and include $590 million in additional revenue from statutory changes that haven’t even taken effect yet. He also proposes a $2 billion increase in spending, including at least a $150 million increase in illegal migrant spending while failing to account for existing fiscal challenges. This reckless budgeting should concern every Illinois family as it mirrors the same patterns of unsustainable spending we’ve seen over the past six years.
House Republicans have a better plan. No new taxes, no more sanctuary state spending, and no more backroom budgeting that shuts the public out of the process. We need transparency, accountability, and policies that prioritize Illinois taxpayers. Illinois families deserve leaders who will fight for them, not burden them with higher taxes to cover up years of fiscal mismanagement.”
State Rep. Jackie Haas, R-Kankakee
“I am incredibly disappointed by Governor Pritzker’s partisan and divisive State of the State and Budget Address. What is supposed to be a time of non-partisan cooperation as we look to the year ahead became a political show that was hyperfocused on national issues and fearmongering.
“Despite years of warnings about unsustainable budgeting practices from the House Republican Caucus, Illinois Democrats refuse to bring us to the table to discuss common-sense solutions that benefit everyone. Without the Governor’s proposed revenue increases we are facing a $425 million deficit that will only continue to grow at the expense of the people we are elected to help. Instead of addressing that, Governor Pritzker is using smoke and mirrors to disguise a bad spending habit as a ‘balanced budget’.
“I will continue to fight adamantly against any future tax hikes and continue advocating on behalf of a balanced budget that benefits everyone.”
State Rep. Jed Davis, R-Yorkville
“Another year, another budget address filled with fiction. The Governor claims Illinois has a balanced budget, but the reality is we’re staring at a massive deficit—and taxpayers are once again left holding the bag for Springfield’s reckless spending. Words don’t balance budgets, responsible leadership does.
“For too long, a select few have crafted the budget behind closed doors, shutting out the voices of taxpayers and their representatives. These antics must end. Every legislator should have a seat at the table so we may craft an accountable and transparent budget, working for all the people of Illinois.
“But let’s be clear—the most alarming part of today’s address wasn’t just the bad math, it was the outright dangerous rhetoric. The Governor comparing everyday Americans concerned about border security to Nazis is appalling. It’s reckless, divisive, and frankly beneath the office he holds. Illinoisans deserve better.
“So here’s my challenge to the majority party: less political theater, more real solutions. We’re ready to work—are you?”
